Former Tribune editor sent to prison for child porn

Updated 6:27 pm, Thursday, January 19, 2017

BAY CITY — A former editor of the Huron Daily Tribune was given the maximum punishment, a federal judge ordered Thursday afternoon, for possessing more than 1,000 images of child pornography.

Mark Thomas Ranzenberger, 61, of Mount Pleasant, will spend his 14-year sentence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Ranzenberger took a plea deal in September and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography involving minors under the age of 12.

He appeared before U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington in Bay City’s federal courthouse on Thursday for sentencing.

At sentencing, attorney Jeffrey Rupp described his client as “someone who has done very bad things,” but noted on the “brighter side” that Ranzenberger was always gainfully employed, had a strong involvement in the Mount Pleasant community and also had strong ties to his family.

Rupp recommended the judge sentence his client on the low end of the guidelines — 11 years — because of Ranzenberger’s age and lack of criminal history. He would be less likely to repeat the offenses due to his age, Rupp said.

Ranzenberger was the editor of the Tribune from 1997 to 1999. He previously taught journalism for 17 years at Central Michigan University.

“I am the most repentant SOB in this courtroom,” Ranzenberger said at his sentencing. “I’m incredibly sorry for what I’ve done.”

He went on to apologize to CMU staff, his two ex-wives, his children and all those he affected because of his actions.

“I had secrets,” he said. “I tried to keep them secrets for what I considered an exemplary life.”

The investigation into the case started when pornographic images were mistakenly displayed in a CMU class with Ranzenberger’s computer last year. He was accused of possessing 1,000 images of child porn, and also admitted he sexually abused a young girl three times a week between 1995 and 2002.

“She had the truth and she reported it,” Ranzenberger said of the victim. “I’m very proud of her for doing that and making this end.”

He asked for forgiveness, but not for himself.

“I want the pain to stop,” he said. “I started it and I want it to stop. … I’m incredibly motivated to stop — I’ve demonstrated that.”

“If you could look into mine (soul) your honor, you’d see I’m the sorriest SOB in this room,” he added.

Ludington asked Ranzenberger about the opportunity he’s had to reflect on what was described as a “black side” to motivate his behavior.

“Your honor, I’ve spent the last eight months in jail thinking about that every single day,” he said, adding he’s a recovering alcoholic. “When I was an active alcoholic, I was selfish, self-centered … that described me.”

“I’m going to prison and spending the rest of my life for what I’ve taught my classes is the ‘pervert’s list,’” Ranzenberger said moments later. “Humiliation is the motivation.”

The prosecuting attorney briefly reviewed the case and then allowed the victim of sexual assault to speak.

“Your honor, Mark Ranzenberger is a psychopath,” she said as tears began to pour down her cheeks. “… Ranzenberger is a pathological liar. He lies to himself every day, saying he’s a good man who doesn’t deserve jail time.”

She told Ludington the incidents have changed her life for the worst.

“I spent my entire life under the thumb of this monster,” she said.

Ludington took little time imposing a sentence following the victim’s statements.

“These weren’t simply pictures of children without clothes,” Ludington said. “These were kids in masochistic circumstances with adults taking advantage of complete victims.”

Ludington sentenced Ranzenberger to the maximum amount of years possible, 14, and upon release, he will be on a five-year supervision.